Amplifying Beauty in Colors and Passion

by Alessio Bruno

Dear Alessio,How did you get started in art design?

Visual Arts and especially Graphic Design have always been my passion. After attending the European Institute of Design, I started to work in an advertising agency, where I had the possibility to learn more about graphics.

At the same time my interests overlapped with the communications field. So I elaborated and developed my own independent, artistic project that was not necessarily limited by the rigid rules of commercial advertising.

Who do you see as models in your line of work?

My main inspirations come from Art, especially Pop Art.

How do the environment, people around you, other art forms, news, and cultural events affect your creative process and work flow?​I am a very curious person. So everything happening around me has an influence one way or another: from movies to music, from personalities and social issues to new tendencies and fashion.

photo: courtesy of the artist

All that creates a good mix of interesting combinations leaving the doors open to some unexpected results at times. In general, I would say that I revisit things with a Pop twist, but not always...

What was the game plan behind “Popfaces”?

Everything was born as a game. It was a way to escape a little bit from my everyday job at the Agency. I started working on this series now called “Popfaces” with focus on celebrities I love. I made pop reinterpretation of already existing portraits or photographs without thinking any of it would lead to artistic recognition. I just created them and posted them on social media or on my website ab81.it. Almost immediately I realized that people liked them. This kind of visibility has permitted me to be in touch with young designers and magazines. And of course, that has changed my routine and has made my life more interesting and exciting.

Collaborations with fashion designers, film projects, magazines, etc. Does it ever feel like you have too much on your plate or do you prefer it that way?

As I mentioned, I have multiple interests. It suits me just fine being part of different projects. I definitely prefer it this way. I have to say, if I had to choose, maybe fashion would be my priority. In any case if I sign on to a project, I always do my best and respect deadlines.

Your work is full of color, life, fun. What is the aim of all you present with your own creative energy?​That's me. I mean: life, color, fun. That's how I feel. For me the creative element, my personal touch is still fundamental in what I do. It could not be differently. I need to enjoy my work. Also, I value variety in everyday life and a positive outlook.

What do you do for fun outside of work? What do you do to wind down?

At this particular moment of my life, after not being involved with the Advertising Agency, for which I worked the last 12 years, I have more free time, without a doubt. I am travelling quite a lot. I am watching a lot of movies, which are a great source of inspiration. But I am also spending more time with my family, my partner, and my friends.

Your wallpaper designs are truly eye popping. The red is the best. Are these wallpapers available for purchase, especially in the US or North America?

Well, first of all, thanks! To answer your question, not yet as everything started as a game and without any commercial intentions. But I am working on it as I have had a considerable number of requests already.

How did you start your collaborations in the fashion world? What do you think the future holds for you in that realm?

Social media (I’m Ab81 on Instagram) is how I got started: posting my works I got in touch with people. My first collaborations came thanks to that. Everything started thanks to journalist, photographer and blogger Diane Pernet, who used the Popface I made for her during an exhibition in Paris organized to launch of her perfume. Then I started to create prints for young Italian fashion designers. I have collaborated with some fashion magazines, such as Cosmopolitan Italy creating some artwork for them.And the rest, I honestly, don't know. I would like to continue this way and increase the number of my collaborations. It would be great to do this for a living.

What’s the selection process for the characters of choice for Popfaces?

There is no real selection process. I mean, it is all based on my instincts. I am inspired by eclectic celebrities, people who provoke or invoke admiration or a particular feeling.

Who are the coolest people you’ve worked with so far? Who would you love to work with in the near future?

It may sound a little bit strange but working with some young designers was very interesting and stimulating. I was truly free to experiment and create something new together with them.In the future, I would like to continue working this way, because I think it is important to express myself. Of course I would not say “no” to a big brand.

What’s your mantra in life that is probably also reflected in your work style as well?